If it's true that laughter is good for the soul, we could all use an extra helping right about now.
After getting international attention for the mass shooting that killed 50 and injured another 53 at a gay nightclub, the city of Orlando is left to mourn its significant losses. Meanwhile, the country has devolved into a complex blame game that includes pointing fingers, social media arguments and Senate filibusters.
But the families in Orlando are still hurting — and the Tampa Bay comedy community is responding with a series of benefit shows.
Comedians and local clubs have stepped up to share their jokes, spread some laughter and collect some money for those in need.
If you needed another reason to enjoy some professional comedians, this is it.
The following shows will directly benefit the victims of the Orlando shooting:
Bear Webb. Headliner Webb won the recent "Florida's Funniest Female" competition. Feature Mary Tischbein was a founding member of the Funny Divas comedy group and regularly headlines around the state. We gave emcee Amanda Jordan "Best Up-And-Coming Comedian" at our 2015 Best of the Bay awards.
All three are funny, clever comedians, and they're also proud members of the LGBT community. All proceeds from their shows will benefit Orlando victims and families.
$12. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Snappers Grill & Comedy Club, 36657 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. 727-938-2027. snappersgrill.com.
Jim Florentine. The weekend's headliner also tops the bill for the benefit show, in which all proceeds (ticket sales and a silent auction) will go to victims and their families. Florentine's well known for his opinionated and analytical stand-up comedy. He also voiced Special Ed, the most popular puppet on Crank Yankers years ago.
For this show he's supported by locals Steve Miller, Jared Waters, Amanda Jordan and Rob Garguilo.
$25. Sunday, 7 p.m. (cocktails and silent auction starts at 5 p.m.) Side Splitters, 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-960-1197. sidesplitterscomedy.com.
This article appears in Jun 16-23, 2016.